Hours of Operation

Address and Directions

The address is 2350 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104. From Route 29 north, take Interstate 70 west to exit 83. Keep right onto Marriottsville Road, the entrance will be on the left.

Dates to Remember

Christmas Eve
Monday, December 24

Alpha Ridge Landfill will close at 2pm

Christmas Day
Tuesday, December 25

Alpha Ridge Landfill will be CLOSED.

New Year's DayTuesday, January 1

Alpha Ridge Landfill will be CLOSED.

The landfill will be closed on the following holidays:

New Year's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

Howard County Waste Only

Alpha Ridge Landfill accepts both residential and commercial waste, including recyclables, generated in Howard County ONLY. There are several signs located throughout the landfill and Residents' Convenience Center that tell you where to place materials. Please don't hesitate to ask one of our landfill staff members.

Residential Disposal

Howard County residents may dispose of household trash, household hazardous waste (Saturdays ONLY, April-November) and unlimited recyclable materials. Residents using the landfill are required to show their driver's licenses as proof of residence each time they enter the landfill. The new Maryland Driver's Licenses no longer indicate the county of residence and staff may need to use an address checker to confirm residency.

(1) using vehicles that exceed 3/4 ton capacity, or
(2) using commercially marked vehicles, or
(3) using rental vehicles, or
(4) disposing of unusually large quantities of household trash

Residents disposing of construction, demolition and home improvement waste will be charged the commercial tip fee ($4 per 100 pounds or $80/ton); items include carpet, treated lumber, drywall etc. Fees will be charged for deliveries mixed with household waste.

Commercial Disposal

All commercial vehicles delivering solid waste to the landfill are required to purchase a nontransferable commercial landfill permit at an annual charge; no commercial vehicles will be permitted to use the landfill without a permit. All permits are valid for the period from July 1st through June 30th.

Starting July 2017, businesses no longer need a free permit to drop-off recycling. Small businesses may only bring material that was generated within Howard County.

NOTE: As of July 1, 2015 the Commercial Solid Waste tip fee will be $80 per ton.

Prohibited Items

Landfill Gas to Energy Project

Landfill Fees through June 30, 2019 (Fiscal Year 2019)

PUBLIC NOTICE
HOWARD COUNTY, MARYLAND
LANDFILL FEE SCHEDULE

Effective July 1, 2018, the Howard County Alpha Ridge Landfill will implement the rate structure below. These rates are pursuant to Howard County Council Resolution No. 56 adopted on May 31, 2018 and are subject to change.

NOTE:No solid waste generated out-of-County will be accepted at the Howard County Alpha Ridge Landfill.

Annual Permit Charge

User Charges

(a) Vehicles up to 3/4 ton GVW registered in Howard County; or
(b) Vehicles registered as farm vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Administration hauling qualifying waste.Residents bringing in household waste must apply for a special exception permit if vehicle is not registered as a farm vehicle, is over 3/4 ton GVW, is not registered to residents or displays commercial signage.A maximum of 2 tons of household waste will be accepted from a County resident at no charge during a 1-year period from July through June. Commercial user chargers shall be charged for quantities exceeding 2 tons per fiscal year.

NOTE: Residents disposing of construction, demolition and home improvement material (C&D waste) will be directed to weigh in at the scalehouse and will be charged $80/ton ($4.00 per 100 pounds) of waste. This includes deliveries mixed with household waste.

(2) CLEAN DIRT free of trash and rubble (volume may be limited by the Department of Public Works). Call Bureau office (410-313-6444) to determine if clean soil is being accepted and if fee is being charged.

(12) BOATS, HOUSE TRAILERS AND CAMPERS - All Boats, House Trailers and Campers not to exceed 30 feet in length.

$80.00/ton

Acceptance may be limited by the Department of Public Works.

FEES FOR WHEN SCALES ARE INOPERATIVE

Size of Vehicle

Solid Waste

Clean Yard/Wood Waste

Pickup trucks and leisure vans, 1/2 - 3/4 ton

$20

$4

Pickup trucks with side rails, caps or dump beds

$27

$7

Dump trucks (2 axle)

$146

$39

Dump trucks (3 axle)

$249

$66

Closed vans (2 axle)

$89

$23

Closed vans (3 axle)

$130

$35

Stake body/open body trucks or trailer dump (2 axle)

$249

$66

Stake body/open body trucks or trailer dump (3 axle)

$303

$80

Front, Rear and Side Load compactor:

a) Under 16 cubic yards

$184

$49

b) 16 - 23 cubic yards

$249

$66

c) 24 cubic yards and over

$374

$100

Semi-trailer

NOT ACCEPTED

$80

Roll-off Bed

a) Under 25 cubic yards

$249

$66

b) 25 - 34 cubic yards

$303

$80

c) 35 cubic yards and over

$374

$100

Tire Fees (when scales are inoperative)

Auto Tires

Up to 30 tires

$30.00 flat rate

Over 30 tires

$1.50 per tire

Truck (oversized) tires

Up to 10 tires

$30.00 flat rate

Over 10 tires

$3.50 per tire

NOTE: A maximum of four (4) auto tires may be delivered to the Residents' Convenience Area by residents at no charge. Farm vehicles are also limited to four (4) auto tires. Deliveries of greater than 4 tires will be charged the per ton commercial user charge.

Penalty and Special Charges (In addition to other applicable landfill charges)

(a) Credit account deposit (amount to be paid before credit is initially extended)

Remember, one person does make a difference!

Take a few minutes to SORT your waste. Much of the household waste can be recycled or reused by placing it in one of the many recycling containers or trailers at the Center. See Making Your Visit Easier for loading/unloading instructions.

What's Accepted

American Flags

Representatives from the American Legion Adams, Hanna, Moore Memorial Post 156, will retrieve flags and make sure they are disposed of in a dignified fashion as required by the U.S. Flag Code. Ceremonies will be conducted in coordination with local Scout troops from 10am to 2pm on December 16, 2017 and March 17, June 16 and September 22, 2018.

Antifreeze

Uncontaminated antifreeze only (not mixed with oil or other substances). Please leave container for attendant to empty. DO NOT EMPTY YOURSELF.

Did you know? Each year thousands of dogs and cats are poisoned by improperly discarded or leaking antifreeze? The sweet taste attracts pets.

Air Conditioners

Air conditioners and refrigerators contain Freon and must be placed in a designated area. Small metal appliances, such as toasters, toaster ovens, mixers, etc, and other appliances, such as dishwashers, ovens and microwaves can be placed in the scrap metal dumpster for recycling.

Batteries

Acceptable batteries include auto, boat and motorcycle, GM and Gel Cell, commonly found in ATVs and kid's powered vehicles.

Bicycles

Bring you reusable bicycles to Alpha Ridge and give those bikes another life! Look for the Reusable Bicycle shed (please no tricycles or motorized bikes). Bikes are collected with help from the Glenwood Lions Club who donates them to Bikes for the World. Bikes for the World fixes and sends them to places in need such as Africa, Ghana and Costa Rica. You can also check out Velocipede, located in Baltimore . If your bike isn't in good condition, contact your local bike store to see if they can use the parts or as a last resort, recycle it with scrap metal at Alpha Ridge Landfill.

Building Materials and Supplies (Reusable)

The Loading Dock, a nonprofit organization collects new and reusable building materials for revitalizing low-income housing projects.

NOTE: The materials that are collected are for REUSE. Howard County and the Loading Dock reserve the right to refuse any materials deemed unfit. If you have any questions about what is acceptable, please call THE LOADING DOCK at (410) 558-3625.

Cardboard

Carpet

Effective November 1, carpet will no longer be accepted for recycling at the Convenience Area. Carpet will be considered trash and residents/businesses will be charged $80 per ton for disposal.

Christmas Trees

Artificial: Undecorated artificial trees and wreaths can be recycled in the scrap metal container at the Convenience Area year-round.

Live: Undecorated live Christmas trees, wreaths and garland can be recycled at the Alpha Ridge Landfill Woodwaste area or curbside with your yard trim from December 25 through the third week in January.

Compressed Gas Tanks

Construction & Demolition Debris

Residents disposing of construction, demolition and home improvement material (C&D waste) will be directed to weigh in at the scalehouse and will be charged $80/ton ($4 per 100 pounds) of waste. This includes deliveries mixed with household waste. For additional reuse and recycling options, please visit the Construction & Demolition Debris webpage.

Cooking Oil

Any type of liquid vegetable oil (peanut, corn, canola, olive etc.) is accepted. Please make sure that the cooking oil is not mixed with other fluids (water, petroleum products, soaps, etc.). Place the cooking oil in a container with a tight-fitting lid, metal or plastic containers are preferred. Vegetable oil that is mixed with small amounts of animal fats can be recycled as long as the amount of added animal fat has not caused the liquid to solidify. Visit the Used Cooking Oil webpage for more information.

Food Scraps

Household Items

A Goodwill truck will be at the landfill on Mondaysand the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 9am to 3:30pm by the gazebo. Donate used clothes, toys, housewares and small appliances to keep those good items out of the trash. Note: Furniture will be accepted on limited basis and at the discretion of the Goodwill attendant. It's best to take furniture to one of their stores for donation. Visit Goodwill.org for more information.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

HHW material is collected only on SATURDAYS ONLY from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm from April through November. Visit the Household Hazardous Waste webpage for more information.

Mattresses & Box Springs

Items Accepted: Mattresses and box springs of all sizes. Please load vertically in trailer. No wet mattresses due to mold possibilities.

Motor Oil & Filters

Oyster Shells

Don't just shuck 'em and chuck 'em. Bring your empty oyster and clam shells to Alpha Ridge Landfill for reuse. Shells will be picked up by the Oyster Recovery Partnership and taken to the Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery where they will be cleaned and reseeded with oyster larvae before being reintroduced into the Bay. Shells can also be taken to the Robinson Nature Center.

Paint

Paint is accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Area from April-November on Saturdays only. Solidified paint of any kind may be disposed with your household trash.

Did You Know? Paint can be solidified in the can at home by adding an absorbent material such as cat litter, shredded newspaper, leaves, sawdust or dirt. Or, if there isn't much paint left in the can, leave the lid off to air dry the paint. Once solidified, the paint can be disposed with your normal household trash, but remember the 40 pound limit for trash containers.

Recycling (household bottles, cans and paper)

The following items can be mixed together in the blue "All Together Now" recycling compactors. Items must be empty. Lids, caps and labels should stay on containers. Visit Recycling Collection Details for more information.

Roofing Shingles

Collection of shingles at ARL will be temporarily suspended. The last day the County will accept asphalt roof shingles for recycling will be Friday, March 10, 2017. The new charge for asphalt shingle disposal will be the commercial tip fee rate of $80 per ton. Please stay tuned for updates.

Styrofoam #6

Items Accepted: White foam packaging, clean cups, trays, food containers and egg cartons (all colors). Items must be marked with the number “6” in the recycling symbol. Foam items that have been in contact with food or drinks should be rinsed. More Details

Tires

Items Not Accepted: Tires on rims, tires over 4' in diameter or over 15" in width.

NOTE: Rims can be recycled in the scrap metal container. Limit of 4 tires per year.

Trash (household)

Howard County residents may dispose of unlimited quantities of household trash with a valid driver license. Residents disposing of unusually large quantities of household trash using a greater than 3/4 ton vehicle, or disposing of waste for someone else, may be required to obtain a Special Exception Permit.

Residents disposing of construction, demolition and home improvement waste will be charged the commercial tip fee ($65/ton). This includes deliveries mixed with household waste.

WoodWaste & Yard Trim

A landfill employee will direct residents to the Wood Waste Area. Items must be debagged unless yard trim is contained in paper bags. Compost, topsoil and mulch is also available for purchase.

Treated wood/lumber and railroad ties should be taken to the Alpha Ridge Landfill and will be considered Construction & Demolition Debris. Residents disposing of construction, demolition and home improvement material as trash will be directed to weigh in at the scalehouse and will be charged $80/ton ($4 per 100 pounds) of waste.

Goodwill truck

A Goodwill truck will be at the landfill on Mondays and the2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 9am to 3:30pm. Donate used clothes, toys, housewares and small appliances to keep those good items out of the trash. Note: Furniture will be accepted on limited basis and at the discretion of the Goodwill attendant. It's best to take furniture to one of their stores for donation. Visit Goodwill.org for more information.

Household Hazardous Waste

When Can I Take HHW?

HHW days at Alpha Ridge Landfill are Saturdays ONLY (April through November) from 8am to 4pm. Drop-off is closed for 2018. However, there will be special drop-off days on Saturday, January 5; Saturday, February 2; and Saturday, March 2 before regular drop-off opens in April, 2019.

What are Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW's)?

Many products we use in our homes and routinely throw away are considered HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTES. These products are similar to regulated hazardous wastes produced by business and industry. Products which are corrosive (such as acids and alkalis), flammable, reactive or toxic (poisonous) can be found in most homes, garages and workshops. These products pose risks if used, stored or disposed of improperly. Printable HHW brochure

Tip: Use white vinegar, salt and water for surface cleaning and baking soda as a toilet cleaner. Detox your home with these easy alternatives.

HHW Disposal - Please be Responsible!

To dispose of household hazardous wastes property, bring your waste to the HHW drop-off area from April through November (Saturdays Only). Residents using the Household Hazardous Waste Program are required to show their drivers licenses as proof of residence in Howard County each time they enter the landfill.

* Usable latex paint that is collected at the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be donated to local non-profit organizations. Call 410-313-6444 if your organization wishes to receive donated paint.Tip:Air dry or solidify paint by adding kitty litter, sawdust or a paint hardening agent. Once solidified, leave the lid off so the contractors can see that it's solid and set it out with your regular trash.

** For explosives and fireworks, call the State Fire Marshall Office of Bomb Squad (Monday - Friday, 8am to 4pm) at 410-859-7152.

*** For radioactive materials, call the State of Maryland, Department of the Environment, Office of Radiological Health at 410-537-3300.

What can I expect at the collection area?

When arriving at the Residents' Convenience Area, you will be directed to the HHW drop off area and asked to move your items to one of the analyzing tables.

On-site chemists will examine the materials. They may ask for your help in identifying any unknown or unlabeled materials that you have brought. Based on their analysis, they will determine the proper packaging for transport and disposal of the hazardous materials.

Helpful hints for transporting HHW safely

Bring materials in their original container or in a secure, clearly labeled, leak-proof container.

Make sure lids are tight.

Boxes with dividers make good packaging.

Group similar materials to make unloading easier.

If the container leaks, pack contents and container in a larger leak-proof package and use an absorbent material (such as cat litter) to soak up leaks.

DON'T mix different or unknown materials together in the same container.

Tip: Even green, natural cleaners can be hazardous. Please also dispose of these products responsibly.

How Can I Be A Responsible Consumer?

Buy Responsibly

Compare & read labels. Not all brands contain hazardous materials.

Only buy what you need. If you have some left over, share it with friends, neighbors or community groups. Remember that the large economy size ends up costing more when you don't use it all and must dispose leftovers.

Keep hazardous materials OUT OF CHILDREN'S AND PET'S REACH, in a dry, secure place.

Separate flammable, corrosive and poisonous products.

Keep hazardous products away from food and sources of heat or sparks.

Store materials in their original containers with the labels intact.

Dispose Properly

DON'T place hazardous wastes in trash cans or refuse containers. These wastes may injure collection personnel, contribute to groundwater contamination and damage collection containers or vehicles.

DON'T flush hazardous wastes down household drains or storm drains. These wastes can ruin septic fields, pollute ground water or pass through municipal treatment systems to surface waters. Chemicals in these products are harmful to our water and can injure people and animals.

DON'T dump or bury household wastes.

Proper care is essential when dealing with Household Hazardous Wastes.

Facts

Alpha Ridge Landfill is Howard County's third public landfill, and the only public landfill open to accept waste. Alpha Ridge landfill was opened in 1980, and is located on a 550 acre site, of which 190 acres is permitted for landfilling.

Although all household trash collected from Howard County homes is currently being exported to a private landfill located in King George County, Virginia, residential and commercial trash is still being accepted at Alpha Ridge Landfill. A small portion of Howard County trash continues to be buried at the Alpha Ridge Landfill.

Howard County's existing landfill opened in May 1980 at a cost of $5.25 million, including 590 acres of land costing $1.2 million.

From 1980-1993, the initial unlined area of 68 acres received 2.3 million tons of waste.

In January 1993, a 38 acre lined cell (4-10 acre sub-cells) was finished at a cost of $7.6 million, including a leachate handling system. Current landfilling averages less than 30 tons per day.

Peak year for filling was 1989 at 287,000 tons.

Another 80 acres can be used to construct lined landfill cells in addition to the 110 acres currently developed.

The 68 acre unlined cell has been capped, which includes landfill gas extraction and groundwater remediation systems.

Current annual operating cost is $10.0 million (not including debt service). This includes groundwater monitoring and treatment.

From Alpha Ridge Landfill and Annapolis Junction Transfer station, 103,290 tons of waste were exported to King George County Landfill in Virginia in 2016.

150 year old oak at Alpha Ridge

The specimen oak at Alpha Ridge Landfill located near the landfill’s cow barn succumbed to age, rot, bugs and weather with its last branches collapsing in September 2016. The tree, about 100 years old when it was acquired with the landfill property in 1979 stood watch over the area just north of I-70. After reviewing its condition with the Bureau of Highway's tree crew, after the storm, there was nothing alive left to salvage. Jeff Dannis, Chief of the Operations Division reported, “It had been rotting from the inside for years. Finally the exterior ring could no longer support the two remaining branches, and they dropped to the ground tearing at what remained of the trunk.” The tree remains will be removed and the remaining wood assessed for specialty lumber. Rotted and insect ridden material will be composted on site. “It’s a shame,” said Dannis, “long-term planning for the site had planned for the tree’s continued watch over the site.” There are no intermediate plans for the crest where the tree stood.

Usage Rules

1. All commercial vehicles delivering solid waste to the Howard County Sanitary Landfill are required to purchase a nontransferable commercial landfill permit at an annual charge; no commercial vehicles will be permitted to use the landfill facilities without a permit. All permits are valid for the period July 1st through June 30. All permitted commercial vehicles are required to display their permit on the driver's side of the vehicle, so that the permit may be easily read by Howard County landfill personnel when the vehicle approaches truck scales at the landfill. Commercial permits may be purchased at the landfill.

2. Howard County residents disposing of household trash are required to show a valid driver's license, with their Howard County address, as proof that they are Howard County residents.

3. Tractor trailers are not allowed in the transfer station.

4. Howard County residents disposing of construction debris or mixed loads of construction debris and other waste will be charged at the commercial solid waste rate or appropriate waste rate, whichever is higher, as this material is not personal residential household waste; these vehicles must be weighed before and after disposal. Only personal residential household waste is exempt from payment of tipping fees.

6. Barrels, drums, and 5-gallon or greater cans will be accepted if unused (or washed), and tops/ bottoms are removed and flattened. Drums previously holding hazardous waste must be emptied in accordance with COMAR 26.13.02.07.

7. Residents are limited to 4 tires per visit. Commercial customers hauling tires must have a valid Maryland Scrap Tire Hauler License. No motor vehicle tires will be accepted at the designated tire drop-off location if they are mounted on rims, over 4' in diameter, or are over 15" wide.

8. Firearms at the landfill are prohibited at all times.

9. Cardboard is not to be disposed as trash at the landfill.

10. Howard County residents disposing of large quantities of household waste or using vehicles larger than 3/4 ton capacity will be subject to an evaluation process and may be granted a “Special Exception” to dispose of waste without charge up to 2 tons per fiscal year.

11. Residential Household Hazardous Waste shall be left at the designated acceptance facility only during posted operating hours for that facility. No commercial hazardous waste is accepted at the landfill or transfer station.

12. Any vehicle arriving at the landfill after the closing time will not be admitted. Commercial vehicles remaining within the landfill after 4 p.m. will be charged $100.00 per 30 minutes or fraction thereof.

13. All commercial vehicles are to be weighed on the landfill scales, before and after disposal of any refuse.

14. All vehicles transporting refuse are to keep the refuse in their vehicles suitably covered or enclosed at all times to prevent littering of streets and highways. Refuse shall not protrude from the sides of any vehicle body. All vehicles entering the landfill are responsible for the removal of refuse dropped by their vehicles while en route to the assigned disposal area. Tarps shall be removed in designated areas only.

15. All vehicles are to observe and obey posted speed limits, direction signs, and other posted notices.

16. All landfill users must adhere to all posted and verbal instructions given by landfill personnel related to the disposal and placement of all types of refuse and recyclables. Harassment of any landfill personnel, in any manner, will not be tolerated and may result in revoking of landfill user privileges.

17. Loitering at the landfill is strictly prohibited. There is 30-minute time limit for discharge of cargo.

18. Scavenging at the convenience center, on the landfill face, at the transfer station, or in containers is strictly prohibited.

19. Children under the age of 16 must be closely supervised by an adult at all times. Children under the age of 16 are not permitted inside the transfer station.

20. Reflective safety vests must be worn on the transfer station floor. Hard hats, type I or II, are required by contractors, residents, employees or visitors on the tipping station floor or below the walls in the residential drop-off area. Contractors and businesses must provide hard hats for their workers. Persons in designated hard hat zones without proper protective gear will be asked to leave the area. Repeat offenders may have their permit privileges revoked.

21. Truck cleaning, if necessary, shall be performed at the transfer station when truck is emptied. All doors, gates, etc. must be secured before leaving the transfer station. The 30-minute unloading time limit includes truck cleaning.

22. Consumption of any alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited on landfill property.